PORTLAND United boss Brendon King admitted he sympathises with the non-league clubs protesting the termination of football this season.

Due to the coronavirus crisis, the FA voided all divisions in Steps 3 to 7 of the National League system.

More than 130 clubs, including League One side Peterborough, have signed a letter urging the FA to overturn the decision; the FA Council is yet to ratify the directive.

Crucially, the vast majority of those clubs were chasing league honours or had already achieved promotion – including Step 6 sides Jersey Bulls and Vauxhall Motors.

Speaking to Echosport, King revealed Portland, who finished 11th in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division, would also have protested the null and void ruling.

He said: “From what I can gather it’s mainly the clubs who’ve got a chance of promotion in the top positions.

“Some of these clubs are quite far ahead and likely to get promotion. I absolutely sympathise with them.

“If we were in that position I’d be champing at the bit myself. The clubs in the bottom and middle are (less concerned).

“If it’s null and void, it’s null and void – we can start planning for next season.”

He added: “But don’t forget, a lot of these clubs have ploughed a lot of money into it – even clubs in our league that are going for it and want promotion.

“Some of the figures you hear, what players are earning, are quite substantial and they’re not going to have anything to show for it.”

However, King suggested viewing the “bigger picture” is vital with many fans of an elderly age.

“I understand both sides of the argument,” he said. “They’re going to be financially out of pocket this season.

“However, I think we’ve got to look at the bigger picture and people turning up next season where (if play continues) they might not be able to because they’re not going to be around.

“As long as we can turn up with all our supporters – and we’ve got a lot of elderly supporters – if they’re all there, that’s the main thing.

“Football can be put into the back burner for a little bit, make sure everyone gets through and they’re all there to support us next season.”